Osteophytes of the spine are pathological bone growths. They have the appearance of sharp spikes or small elevations. Most often, these growths are formed in the cervical, less often in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Sometimes osteophytes provoke bone growth. A large number of such growths causes a serious disease - spondylosis.
Causes of osteophytes
Unfortunately, spinal osteophytes are not such a rare occurrence. Mostly spondylosis is detected in people older than 45 years. The reason for its development, as a rule, lies in metabolic disorders. As a result, the body accumulates a lot of excess calcareous salts, which are deposited on the vertebrae.
Also, the cause of the development of osteophytes can be heavy long-term physical labor. According to statistics, men suffer from spondylosis almost twice as often as women. In young people, the appearance of growths can be associated with curvature of the spine. Other reasons for the development of this pathology are also possible. So, the most common causes of osteophytes are:
- spinal injuries of varying severity;
- regular overload of the spine;
- serious metabolic disturbances in the body;
- elderly age.
Most often, spondylosis affects only one specific area of the spine: cervical, thoracic or lumbar.
Symptoms of the development of osteophytes in the vertebrae
Naturally, a pathology such as osteophytes of the spine cannot go unnoticed by a person. She will certainly make herself felt. The very first symptom of spondylosis can be considered the appearance of moderate, and then severe pain in the affected area. In this case, there will be a partial restriction of mobility, which will interfere, for example, during the rotation of the neck or lower back.
But these are only visible symptoms. In fact, osteophytes cause much more complex disorders in the body. They can provoke:
- decreased sensitivity of nerve endings;
- violation of blood circulation;
- frequent dizziness;
- partial numbness of the limbs.
Diagnosis of spondylosis
Diagnosis of such a serious disease as spondylosis should be done only by specialists. If at the initial stages it is rather difficult to detect developing growths, then already progressing pathology is easy to notice on the radiograph. It determines the presence and configuration of the lumens of the intervertebral spaces and, of course, the presence or absence of the osteophytes themselves.
Most often diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. Other forms are less common. As a rule, osteophytes of the cervical spine in a person cause headaches and dizziness, which is associated with pinching of the spinal nerves.
Spondylosis, localized in the lumbosacral region, is much easier to detect. Its symptoms are stiffness of movements and severe pain, especially during turns and tilts of the body. These unpleasant sensations occur in the lower back, since in this area of the spine there are joints of moving and stationary parts. Fusion in these places of bone tissue also causes stiffness.
Osteophytes of the thoracic spine are even less often diagnosed. Their symptoms are less pronounced. This is usually a pain in the upper part of the spinal column.
Traditional treatment of spondylosis
Spondylosis is a very dangerous disease, as it gives frequent complications and is able to progress rapidly. In addition, it is quite difficult to diagnose it in the early stages. Osteophytes of the spine are treated by wearing an
orthopedic corset (or collar). But the late stages of this disease are practically not amenable to conservative treatment. In such cases, surgical intervention is necessary. Problems with overgrown osteophytes can be solved in the following ways:
1. Fasectomy - complete removal of the facet joint on which the growth is localized.
2. Foraminotomy - a slight increase in the space between the two vertebrae to reduce pressure on the nerves.
3. Laminectomy - partial, rarely complete removal of the plate.
4. Laminotomy - a small increase in the hole in the bone plate that protects the spinal canal.
Possible complications of surgery
Of course, any surgical procedure associated with the spine is always associated with the risks of developing the following complications:
- infection;
- damage to the integrity of the spinal cord;
- further instability of the spine;
- difficulty urinating;
- the appearance of pain in the legs and spine.
In addition, the operation cannot guarantee further complete recovery. Spondylosis often gives relapses, so the chances of getting rid of osteophytes permanently are small.
Osteophytes of the spine - treatment with folk remedies
In combination with traditional treatment, it is very useful to use folk remedies that are time-tested. These are infusions and decoctions of various herbs. There are many such recipes; they can help reduce pain.
The most popular are a decoction of hawthorn flowers and elderberry tincture. These traditional medicine were used by our grandmothers to treat back diseases. A decoction of hawthorn flowers is prepared in the following way. For 500 ml of hot water, 3 tablespoons of dried flowers of the plant are taken. Everything is thoroughly mixed and infused for at least 1 hour. You need to drink half an hour before eating 50 ml. Elderberry tincture is prepared a little differently. Take a tablespoon of grass and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Then the infusion is languished for another 10 minutes in a water bath. Take 100 ml four times a day.
Osteophytes of the cervical spine: treatment
The most commonly detected form of the disease is cervical spondylosis. With this pathology, complex treatment is recommended. It includes regular medications, as well as certain procedures. The traditional treatment is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. They help relieve pain and cramping. It is also recommended to take vitamins of group B. To stimulate the production of cartilage in the body, nicotinic acid is necessary.
Do not forget about minerals. To reduce muscle tension, you need magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Osteophytes of the cervical spine can disrupt blood circulation. In order to avoid this problem, apply warming ointments.
Prevention of spondylosis
For the prevention of the development of spondylosis, it is necessary, first of all, to maintain an active lifestyle. It will also be useful to follow a number of rules. Firstly, if your work involves sitting in the office for many hours in an armchair, you need to develop the habit of doing a little exercise at least once every two hours. Knead your neck, chest and lower back muscles. It takes no more than 5-10 minutes. Secondly, watch your posture. Third, normalize your diet. The menu should certainly include dishes rich in vitamins and minerals. Osteophytes of the lumbar spine are often detected in overweight people. Therefore, try to avoid overeating. And the last: once every three months, take a massage course - this is perhaps the most powerful prophylactic.